‘Annabelle’ Writer Gary Dauberman to Direct Third Installment

THR just shared the news that the writer behind the Annabelle movies Gary Dauberman, will write and direct a third installment in New Line Cinema’s popular horror franchise based on the possessed doll from The Conjuring universe.

The project, which Dauberman is also writing, will once again be produced by James Wan’s Atomic Monster and the Peter Safran Company, the banners that produce what has become a billion-dollar franchise and among the most profitable movies ever made.

Details are being kept secret but the story will once again focus on the porcelain doll that is possessed by a demonic force.

John R. Leonetti directed the first movie, initially a spinoff from Conjuring, while David F. Sandberg, who is now helming Shazam!, directed the prequel, Annabelle: Creation. After the prequel was a hit, it was apparent that New Line had another franchise on its hands.

The new Annabelle installment is on the fast track for New Line, which has set the film’s release for July 3, 2019.